South Korean leader seeks stronger diplomatic ties to North

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

South Korean President Lee Myung Bak said Thursday that he will propose setting up a high-level diplomatic channel between North Korea and South Korea, including creating the first liaison offices in the two nations' capitals.

The United States has long urged Seoul to take this step, but this is the first time it has been officially proposed by a South Korean president.

Lee, who met at Camp David with President Bush, said in an interview that he wants to establish a permanent channel so the two countries can have a regular dialogue, rather than intermittent contacts elicited by crises. He said that offices should be headed by officials with direct access to the leaders of each country.